THE RLANTING 



OF 



THE SWISS COLONY AT NEW GLARUS, WIS. 



By JOHN LUCHSINGER 



[Reprinted from Vol. XII., l^ieconsin Historical ColieotionsJ 




Madison, Wis. 

state historical society of wisconsin 

1892 



xhe: rlantino 



OF 



THE SWISS COLONY AT NEW GLARUS, WIS. 



By JOHN LUCHSINGER 



'JWeprintcd from Vol. XII., "Wisconsin Historical Collections! 




Madison, Wis. 

state historical society of wisconsin 

1892 



In if^ 



^ 



TMP96-0C7552 






THE PLANTING OF THE SWISS COLONY AT NEW 
GLARUS, WIS. 

BY JOHN LUCHSINGER.' 

Since writing a sketch of the Swiss colony of New Glarus, 
at the request of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 
thirteen years ago, many changes have taken place in the 
conditions of the colony. Steadily prosperous, it has thriven 
beyond the most sanguine hopes of its projectors. Railroad 
and telegraph facilities have placed the hitherto secluded 
settlement in direct communication with the rest of the 
world. Modern thought and habit have come with modern 
inventions, but the people remain substantially the same. 
True, the first colonists have nearly all gone to their well- 
earned rest, but their direct descendants occupy the places 
of those who have died. The natural dislike of those of 

' Mr. Luchsinger's admirable paper, " The Swiss Colony of New Glarus," 
in Wis. Hist. Coll., viii., pp. 411-439, attracted much attention. It was the 
first monograph on the planting of an organized foreign colony in Wiscon- 
sin. At the present time, when, through the joint efforts of the Universitj- 
of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Historical Society, a heallhy popular in- 
terest is being awakened in the history of the several foreign groups in 
this state, there has been a renewed call for the I.uchsingfr paper, but the 
volume containing it has long since be* u out of print. New and important 
facts, too, have been discovered by Mr. Luchsinger, and at my request he 
has rewritten his article, greatly enriched by additional documentary ma- 
terial, and brought down to date. It is practically a new monograph, 
drawn from original sources, and is of gve;it value to all students of our 
composite nationality. 

Mr. Luchsinger was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, June 29, 
1839, removing to America with his pai-ents when but six years of age. 
He settled in New Glarus, Wisconsin, in 1856, and has for many years been 
prominent among the Swiss- Americans of Green county. He represented 
his district in the assemblies of 1878, 1876-78, and 1887. He is a lawyer, 
resident at Monroe. All foot notes to this paper are by the author, unless 
otherwise signed.— Ed. 



336 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

other nationalities to settle in a community so distinctly 
Swiss, and the inborn love of the Swiss for his own country- 
men, have tended to prevent the mixture and assimilation 
of nationalities which is continually going on in other parts 
of the United States. New Glarus is still a Swiss colony, as 
much so as it was twenty years ago. In view of the fact that 
there are still a few of the first colonists yet living, from 
whom much information could be gathered which soon 
would be lost beyond recovery, it has been suggested by 
the editor of the Wisconsin Historical Collections that I 
rewrite the history of the colony at this time. In response 
to this desire, I have collected material not hitherto attain- 
able or known, and hope to be able to do such justice to the 
subject as it deserves, and to merit in a greater degree the 
favor with which the sketch in vol. viii. was received. 

The Colony. 

In the northern part of Green county, Wisconsin, at the 
terminus of the Brodhead and &< ew Glarus branch of the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, is situated the 
township and village of New Glarus. This village and 
township were so named, after the town and canton of 
Glarus in eastern Switzerland, of which place nearly all of 
the inhabitants are natives or the descendants of natives.' 

' The canton of Glarus is one of the wildest and most mountainous in 
Switzerland. Two narrow valleys, traversed by swift mountain torrents 
fed by snows and glaciers, divide the canton into two sections. At the 
head of the greater valley, Gross-Thai, is a high mountain pass leading 
into the ancient canton of Uri. At the head of the smalUr valley, Klein 
Thai, is a similar pass leading into the Grisons, and thence on to upper 
Italy. Both of these passes, before the time of steam and railways, were 
much-used highways betvveen Italy and Germany: in times of peace, 
for traders and travellers; in times of war, by armies of different nations of 
Europe. Judging from the situation of the canton and the names of locali- 
ties, these valleys were originally peopled from both the north and south 
sides of the Alps. Undoubtedly, in the exterminating wars of ancient 
limes, fugitives from religious and political proscription found a stern but 
safe asylum in the narrow, deep valleys, and oa the steep mountain sides 
of Glarus. The southern element teems to have been strongest. Dark 



1 892. J THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 337 

Pleasantly situated on the banks of Little Sugar river, on 
ground rising gently towards the west, and at the foot of a 
high ridge of hills on the east, the village lies in the midst 
of rather rough yet pleasing scenery. Pleasant valleys, 
dotted with good farm houses and spacious barns, greet the 
eye to the north. South and west, fertile hills and uplands, 
alternating fields and timber, are in plain view for miles. 

The first sight from the top of the high hill to the east is 
a pleasant surprise: the whole village and surroundings lie 
spread out beneath your feet. The settlement presents a 
romantic and somewhat un-American appearance; there is 
a something about its appearance that cannot well be de- 
scribed. Perhaps it is the diversified style of the buildings, 
perhaps the queer but plain old stone church-tower, — so 
unlike anything seen elsewhere in this country, — that 
causes it to seem different from the average Wisconsin 
country village. There are many fine dwelling-houses, but 
the common practice in New Glarus of building close to 
the edge of the streets detracts somewhat from their 
beauty. The village has about a hundred and fiftj^ dwell- 
ings, a flour mill, a brewery, a cheese factory, lumber and 
stock yards, stores, shops, hotel, and saloons. The popula- 
tion is about six hundred. A physician, a preacher of the 
Swiss Reformed church, and three school teachers, reside 
in the place. There are besides, artisans, merchants, 
and laborers of all trades and occupations needed by 

hair and complexions prevail among the people; and numerous family 
names ending with i or y — as Marti, Klasy, Tschudi, Trumpi, etc. — indi- 
cate an Italian origin. Yet the blue eyes, fair hair, and complexion of the 
north Germans are by no means rare; and family names having an un- 
doubted German origin, — as Schindler, Elmer, Luchsinger, and Schmid, — 
are plenty. Judging from these indications, the Goth and the Latin contrib- 
uted in this borderland to the formation of the present race, and the result 
has been a people in whom the steady, honest purpose, industrious and 
frugal habits of the German race are blended with the impulsive, passion- 
ate, and enduring qualities of the Latin, — the mixture being the present 
persistent, enterprising, frugal, and industrious people of the region, of 
strong vitality and physique, and capacity for adaptation to all climates 
and conditions. From this source has sprung the healthy colony of New 
Glarus, Wisconsin, the subject of this sketch. 
22 



338 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.x'ii. 

a community of this size. The people of the village, 
and also of the surrounding country, among themselves 
speak the German-Swiss dialect almost exclusively, just as 
it is spoken in Switzerland. All school and town meetings, 
and all legal and other business, unless transacted in writ- 
ing, are of necessity conducted in this language. Many of 
those who were born here require an interpreter when 
called upon to testify as witnesses in the courts. A stran- 
ger stopping here unawares could easily imagine that he 
had dropped upon a district in Switzerland. The sounds 
and sights in the village, and the bold character of the 
surrounding hills, would strengthen the impression. 

The Swiss occupy in addition to the village, almost the 
whole township, — three or four families of Norwegians 
living on the northern border. Fully two-thirds of the ad- 
joining town of Washington, and large portions of many 
other towns in Green and Dane counties, are also thus 
occupied. The number of Swiss and their immediate de- 
scendants in Green county aione, exceeds eight thousand, 
comprising about one-third of the entire population. Other 
centres of business and trade have risen among this people, 
but New Glarus is the point from which the Swiss element 
radiates, and where it is chiefly concentrated. These Swiss- 
Americans are noted for their industry, frugality, and econ- 
omy, — qualities which have been bred in their bone and 
blood for ages. Centuries of hard struggle to obtain a bare 
subsistence from the sterile mountains of the fatherland 
have formed the principles which on this more generous 
soil, and with place to grow, have led to competence. Toil- 
some struggles with poverty and adverse nature, far from 
being disadvantageous, are important factors in the build- 
ing of that strong form of character which can adapt itself 
to circumstances, and ultimately bring to its possessor the 
best of life. In America, the sterile hills of New England are 
a notable example of this. What similar extent of territory 
in the United States has produced an equal number of suc- 
cessful men and women? One cannot help observing, on 
entering the section occupied by these Swiss- Americans, 
the material results of their inherited Qualities. The houses 



i8q2.] the planting of nkw glarus. 339 

are roomy, comfortable, and in many cases elegant; barns 
and other outbuildings are spacious and substantial. No- 
where in Green county is so much money expended in per- 
manent improvements as here, notwithstanding the fact 
that the face of the country is rough and often rocky, and 
the soil on'i^the whole rather below the average in quality 
and depth. 

Unlike most of the settlers of southern Wisconsin, this 
people at an early period betook themselves to dairy farming 
and the raising of cattle, to which branches of husbandry 
they were by training and habit fully adapted: these being 
of necessity the only forms of agriculture profitable or even 
possible among the mountains of their old home. Then 
again, the land in this vicinity is on the whole better suited 
for such purposes than for tillage. The hill pastures, though 
scant, produce sweet and nutritious grasses, while the 
natural meadows in the bottoms yield an abundance of 
good hay. Springs and streams of pure, cool water abound, 
almost every farm being supplied with running water. All 
these are necessary to excellence of dairy products, and to 
the health of the stock. 

The people as a rule are hard-working, believing that 
old-fashioned labor is the proper means to a livelihood and 
competence. They are economical to a fault, — in many 
cases to the verge of penuriousness. The rule is, to spend 
less than they earn, and to make no display beyond their 
means. In view of this, the mystery is easily explained 
why they get on in the world better than others in like or 
better surroundings, who are so often heard to express 
wonder how a people who have had so many obstacles to 
contend with should have done so well. Naturally few of 
them are involved in debt, and less complaint of hard times 
is heard there than in many other sections of the country. 
Industry and economy will produce the same good results 
in any country not too densely peopled. 



40 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 



o- 



Causes of Eviigration. 

The causes which led to the establishment of this colony 
of New Glarus were mainly overpopulation in an unfertile 
country, and the poverty resulting from scarcity of employ- 
ment and food. Prior to the year 1814, there was an era 
of uncommon prosperity throughout Europe. A long peace 
following the destructive wars of Napoleon had repeopled 
the nations, had rebuilt the cities, and restored confidence 
in the business world. Trade and manufactures had 
greatly increased, the latter particularly in Switzerland, 
where the numberless swift mountain streams afford un- 
limited and cheap propelling power for machinery, and 
where the supply of labor is cheap and abundant. The 
large numbers of young Swiss who formerly were com- 
pelled to seek work in foreign lands found employment in 
these home industries. No longer was Switzerland the re- 
cruiting ground for the armies of Europe. The country 
needed the blood and brains and muscle, and enlistments 
were forbidden by Swiss law. This was a golden era; every 
one prospered, and the people were content to remain in the 
land of their birth. But about 18i4 a general stagnation in 
business occurred, overproduction of manufactures glutted 
the markets, and the trade in and demand for Swiss goods 
declined; large numbers of workmen were thrown out of 
employment. In addition to this, a partial failure of the 
Swiss crops caused the necessaries of life to rise in price, 
distress became general and great among the working 
classes, and it became a serious question how to employ 
and feed the ever-increasing population. 

In some parts of Switzerland, the land fit for cultivation 
is very limited in extent, and is owned by the different 
municipalities. It is divided into greater or smaller parcels 
according to the number of adult male citizens, and these 
parcels are annually allotted for the purpose of cultivation, 
free of charge. As the population increases the .parcels be- 
come smaller, so that at this time in Glarus they ranged from 
one hundred and sixty to six hundred and forty square yards 
for the head of each family, according as the parish to which 



lS44-] THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 34 1 

he belonged was rich or poor. In many instances the parishes 
also own the forests, and the summer pastures on the Alps, 
which are leased from time to time to dairymen. The in- 
come from these sources is applied to defray in part the pub- 
lic expenses, including the support of schools and churches ; 
in consequence, taxation is light. Every citizen in Glarus 
is entitled to the use of one of these portions of tillable land, 
which he may cultivate by himself or by proxy. When a 
citizen emigrates, the value of his allotment, together with 
the value of his interest in the rest of the common property, 
is estimated, and paid to him in money. Practically, this 
is selling out his vested rights in the property of the com- 
munity, and amounts really to a premium on emigration. 
These small parcels are mainly planted with potatoes, 
beans, or other annual crops. The authorities are so careful 
of the food supply, that on these allotments no one is al- 
lowed to dig even his own potatoes until they are fully 
ripe. As the harvest approaches, watchmen are employed 
day and night to guard the crop, and a heavy fine is im- 
posed upon the luckless individual who may be detected in 
gratifying his relish for new potatoes before the law has pro- 
nounced them ripe. The production of grain is quite impos- 
sible, — there is not enough land fit for such crops, and the 
use of horses, plows, and machinery is almost unknown. 
The people depend for bread-stuffs on Russia, Italy, and 
Hungary. Hence bread is seldom cheap. In ordinary and 
even prosperous times, the supply in most families is 
limited. The poor are seldom able to eat as much as they 
desire. In times of depression, the food of the working 
classes is mainly potatoes, with salt or green cheese 
(called schabzieger) for seasoning.' 

Coffee is made mainly from chicory and is used without 
sugar, and often without milk. Close economy in every- 
thing, from the smallest to the greatest article of food, 
clothing, or other necessity, is rigidly required by the con- 
ditions of the surroundings, in order to be able to exist. 
A wasteful person is regarded as almost criminal. 

' See Wis. Hist. Coll., viii., p. 414, for description of methods of cheese- 
making. — Ed. 



342 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

Even such economy as this could not prevent the distress 
and impoverishment from becoming alarming, when in 1844 
the great sources of income dried up — the factories havmg 
either ceased work or shortened time and wages. The au- 
thorities and leading citizens of Glarus cast about for ways 
and means by which the consequent distress could be re 
lieved. Public meetings were held to discuss the subject of 
emigration as a remedv^ The matter was discussed pro and 
con in every cottage and household. The timid and con- 
servative freely quoted the old saying, "Bleibeim land uiid 
Ermlhre dich redlich " (Remain in the land and support 
yourself honestly). But the courageous and progressive 
invented another saying to match it, '•' Bleibet im land und 
fresset einander " (Remain in the land and devour each 
other). The prospect was, that the latter saying was in a 
fair way to be exemplified. Human labor was daily be- 
coming plentier and cheaper, and food scarcer and dearer. 

Selection of a Site. 

The agitation finally culminated in the idea that an or- 
ganized emigration, under the care and control of the gov- 
ernment, would be the best, surest, and most reliable 
method of affording the necessary relief. At a public meet- 
ing called at Schwanden, a committee was appointed to 
confer with and ask the aid and co-operation of the govern- 
ment of the canton. The council of the canton approved 
of the project so far as to appropriate fifteen hundred 
florins (about six hundred dollars), for the purpose of send- 
ing to America — as the children of Israel did to the land of 
Canaan — two men who were to view the country, and if 
they found it suitable, to locate a tract favorable for a col- 
ony. An Emigration Society was at the same tinje formed, 
composed of intelligent and prominent men, who took 
charge of this fund, which was increased by subscription 
from the parishes and individuals to two thoilsand dollars. 
This society appointed as pioneers to look up a location, 
Judge Nicholas Duerst, then forty-eight years old, and 
Fridolin Streiff, a blacksmith, twenty-nine years old, both 



l845-] THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 343 

of them men of courage and endurance, and of more than 
average intelligence. Duerst agreed to assist in selecting 
and purchasing the lands for the colony, and to advise and 
remain with the colonists until they were fairly planted in 
their new home Streiff was to remain three years with the 
colony, and to direct and control its work, and also to ex- 
tend his assistance and counsel to all requiring it. He 
was also to expend properly, for the benefit of the colony, 
whatever funds were placed in his hands for that purpose. 
Before the three years had expired, Streiff, with wise fore- 
eight, saw that the colony would succeed, and sent for his 
wife and children to join him. Previous to the appoint- 
ment of Streiif, the society had appointed M. Marti, a 
teacher, as Judge Duerst's companion, for the reason that 
he had some knowledge of the English tongue, but his 
timidity and indecision were such that he withdrew on the 
very eve of departure, and Streiff was thereupon selected. 
To supply the defect of thsir iguorance of the English lan- 
guage, the pioneers were authorized to employ a competent 
interpreter on their arrival in America. All these prepara- 
tions, because of their strangeness and novelty, consumed 
so much time that it was not until March 8, 1845, that the 
two leaders were able to start on their journey in search of 
a new home. 

They carried with them the written instructions of the 
society, as follows: The two pioneers are to depart imme- 
diately, so as to be in time to embark on the packet ship 
which leaves Havre, France, on the sixteenth of March.' 
Drafts to the amount of six thousand, three hundred and 
sixty florins (about two thousand, six hundred dollars), 
being sixty florins for each of the one hundred and six 
prospective emigrants enrolled, for the purchase of the 
necessary land, will be placed in their hands. These funds 
they are, however, not to draw upon until the purchase of 
the lands has been completed. On their arrival in New 

' There were no railroads in S w'itzerland at that time, and only for a short 
distance in France; hence eight days were allowed for the journey from 
Glarus through France to Havre. 



344 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL Collections, [vol.xii. 

York, they are to proceed without delay to William H. 
Blumer, a fellow Swiss, living in Allentown, Pennsylvania, 
and request him to support them with his counsel and ex- 
perience in exploration, and to assist them in making the 
purchase of land. In respect to this purchase, they are 
to consider particularly the instruction: that the locality 
chosen shall be similar to that of Glarus in climate, soil, 
and general characteristics. That the soil shall be suit- 
able for raising stock, vegetables, fruit, and grains. They 
are not bound strictly to purchase government land. If 
they deem it best to purchase a portion partly cultivated, 
they may do so; but they shall strictly keep in mind that 
each colonist shall have for his sixty florins, twenty acres 
of land, or nearly that area. They shall endeavor to pur- 
chase land in one body, and shall duly consider com- 
munication with other inhabited portions of the country, 
such as by roads, streams, railroads, etc. After completing 
the purchase, the tract is to be so divided that each colonist 
shall receive a proper proportion of timber, pasture, and 
tillable land. The respective portions shall be assigned to 
the colonists on their arrival, and the pioneers shall cause 
the proper surveys to be made, and shall immediately pre- 
pare for the reception of the first lot of colonists, who are 
to wait at St. Louis for further directions. They shall pro- 
vide shelter, food, and clothing for the immediate needs of 
the colonists, and shall charge the same to their account. 
There shall be provision made immediately for the cultiva- 
tion of grain for the use of the people, and the necessary 
number of cattle shall be provided. It might be of advan- 
tage, these careful instructions say, to at first cultivate a 
small portion of land in common, and then to assign each 
colonist a portion of the produce. This plan might be the 
most speedy to provide necessary food for all. The pur- 
chase of land shall be in the name of the Emigration 
Society of the Canton of Glarus. Duerst shall prepare a 
vital record, numbered according to number 'of colonists, 
and note all deaths or increase, giving dates. The pioneers 
shall endeavor to use their influence with the colonists, to 
the end that a church and schools may be established as 



1 845-] THE PLANTING OF NF.W GI-ARUS. 345 

soon as practicable; that the poor, sick, widows, and or- 
phans may bs relieved; and that the rules of the Emigra- 
tion Society be observed and execated. The society shall 
be the owner of the lands until the sum advanced shall be 
repaid by the colonists. Duerst shall receive for his services 
one dollar per day. and his necessary traveling expenses. 
Streiff shall receive free passage to the settlement, and 
free entertainment until the departure of Duerst. For his 
other services, he shall be paid such a compensation as 
Duerst shall recommend to be proper. Duerst shall keep a 
correct daily journal of the traveling and other expenses. 

Instructed, fortified, and also hindered in a measure, by 
these rules, the two pioneers embarked at Havre on the 
sixteenth of March, 1845, and after a tedious and stormy 
passage in a sailing packet arrived at New York on the 
sixth of May. On the tenth of May, they were joined at 
Easton, Pennsylvania, by Joshua Frey, whom Blumer had 
selected as their guide on account of his intelligence, and 
knowledge of the usages and language of the country. 
Frey kept a journal, in which he made daily entries of the 
doings of the trio, and from which it appears that without 
farther delay they proceeded in the mail coach to Somer- 
ville, New York, and from thence by railroad to New York 
city, and on the same day went by the steamer " Empire '' to 
Albany, thence again by rail to Buffalo, at which place 
they arrived May 14. 

The diary states as follows: " Took passage on steamer 
Bunker Hill for Detroit same evening, arrived at Detroit 
May 16. Next day proceeded across the state of Michi- 
gan by stage and rail to St. Joseph. Thence by steamer to 
Chicago, arriving there on the morn of the nineteenth. We 
went to the United States land office in that town and ex- 
amined the maps and plats, and found that nearly all timber 
land in that land district was either pre-empted or sold, but a 
great amount of prairie land was yet open for entrj^ Next 
day took stage for Dixon, on Rock river. On the way we 
crossed immense prairies, reaching an unbroken level so 
far as the eye could see. The mail road passes through 
Aurora, the neighborhood of which is quite well settled. 



346 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

Arrived at Dixon, May 21, having rode all night. We went 
to the United States land office and found an immense 
quantity of prairie land yet subject to entry, but the wood- 
land was mostly all taken. The same afternoon we trav- 
eled northward along Rock river to Oregon City. May 23, 
we again returned to Dixon. The land on both sides of 
Rock river is very fiae and productive. May 24, we went 
by stage to Princeton, a little village surrounded by rich 
lands, 25th, being Sunday, we rested. 26th, examined a 
tract of timber known as Devil's Grove, but found that it 
was already entered; could have bought 240 acres for 
$1,U00, 27th, went to Peru on the Illinois river. 28th, as 
the water was too low in the river for boats to land, we 
hired a team to take us to Hennepin, 30th, went on steamer 
to St, Louis, where we arrived June 1, As the expected 
emigrants had not yet come, we authorized Mr, Wild of 
that city to take charge of them when they arrived, to send 
us word of their arrival, and to provide temporary quarters 
for them," 

The journal then relates in detail the travels of the three 
men by stage, horseback, and on foot through Missouri, 
touching St, Charles, Warrenton, Danville, Mexico, Flor- 
ida, Palmyra, and Marion, From Marion they took the 
steamer " Di Vernon'" to Keokuk, in Iowa Territory, 
thence across the country to Winchester, Fairfield, and 
Mt, Pleasant, spending some time at the United States 
land office at Fairfield; thence eastward to Bloomington, 
on the Mississippi; thence to Galena, " which is a town of 
considerable importance, the head of navigation, and the 
centre of the lead-mining region. Although we had trav- 
eled now through a number of states, we had not yet 
decided to buy anywhere, for the reason either that wood 
or water was wanting, the location unhealthy, or not a 
sufficient tract of suitable land in one body; so we traveled 
farther into Wisconsin Territory, touching Platteville and 
Belmont, and arriving at Mineral Point June 10. At the 
land office, we really found a prospect to make suitable 
selections. Having at this place received a letter from 
Mr. Blumer, stating that the emigrants might be expected 



lS45-] THE PLANTING OF NP:\V GLARUS. 



347 



at Milwaukee, we at once proceeded to that place, but 
were disappointed. At the Milwaukee land office we 
found, after examination, that the land in that district 
was not favorable for our emigrants. On the 24:th of June, 
we therefore left Milwaukee via Troy, to Exeter, in Green 
county. Here, at last, we found in town 4, range 7, a large 
extent of land suitable for our purpose, containing the pre- 
scribed qualities, as: healthy climate, copious springs, 
fertile soil, timber, and prospect of convenient market 
for produce. After several more fruitless trips in differ- 
ent directions southward to Como, Illinois, and northwest 
to the Wisconsin river, we returned to Mineral Point, 
where we met Theodore Rodolf, who received us kindly 
and gave us his advice and help, and accompanied us 
on several trips in this district. On our return to Min- 
eral Point, on July 17. we finally concluded to purchase 
near Exeter, Green county, twelve hundred acres of the 
land we had seen on June 27, and in addition eighty 
acres of good timber. We further bought necessary pro- 
visions and tools, with which we at once proceeded to 
the colony land, and Duerst and Streiff began to build 
huts. On the twenty-fourth of July the surveyor ar- 
rived, and with the kind help of Frederick Rodolf,' a 
brother of Theodore, we finished the survey and also the 
building of two temporary huts on the 30th." At this 
point, Frey's journal closes with the remark that on the 
sixth of August he bade farewell to Messrs. Duerst and 
Streiff, and departed for his home in Pennsylvania. 

Judge Duerst wrote on August 19, 1845, to the Emigration 
Society, Switzerland: " We have selected and bought what 
we believe to be a favorable point for settlement. The 
land lies eight miles from Exeter, and thirt3^-five miles 
from Mineral Point, where great markets are held. It 
contains mostly fertile soil, good water in springs and 
streams, and sufficient forests. One of the streams run- 
ning through our land has sufficient power for one or two 
mills, and we indulge in the pleasing hope that our fellow- 

' Still living at South Wayne, Wisconsin. 



348 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

citizens who may emigrate, will, if they are industrious 
and steady, find themselves in time well rewarded for 
their labor. The colonists, one hundred and eight souls, 
have arrived after a long journey, in which they experi- 
enced many hardships and disappointments, and are so 
destitute of everything that we were at once obliged to 
draw upon our credit in New York, so as to be able to 
supply their needs until the next harvest. We have pro- 
vided temporary shelters for them, and have allotted the 
parcels of land to each colonist. Have also drawn rules 
and by-laws for the government of the colony, and for best 
managing its possessions, and have elected four trustees, — 
Fridolin Streiflf, Balthasar Schindler, Fridolin Babler, and 
David Schindler. the last-named to act as secretary." 

Some of the regulations laid down for the management 
of the colony are worthy to be recorded as curiosities: 
"Section I. — Every one is obliged to take the land which 
he draws by lot, and whether it be better or worse to 
accept the same without protest. Section II. — The main 
street from east to west shall be thirty feet wide, but the 
other streets shall be only fourteen feet wide.' Further, all 
creeks, streams, and springs shall be the common property 
of all lot owners. The colonists shall be obliged to assist 
each other in building houses and barns. As soon as the 
patents for the lands shall have been signed by the presi- 
dent of the United States, and not before, each owner shall 
have the right to dig and prospect for mineral. Should 
such be found, then the lot on which it is found shall revert 
to the society, and the owner shall receive therefor an ap- 
propriate compensation." 

Of course these and other regulations from the same 
source were operative only for a short time, and until the 
people had become acquainted with the laws and customs 
of this country which govern such matters. Taking every- 
thing into consideration, in the light of better judgment 
and later experience, a better location might have been 

' This vras bringing the narrow, contracted ideas of land in Switzerland, 
to the broad lands of America, with a vengeance. 



l845-] THE PLANTING OF NKW (il.ARUS. 34Q 

selected, — richer, deeper, and more level soil, shorter dis- 
tance to markets, and other advantages, could have heen 
had at that time with as little cost as the site chosen; but 
viewing the result, it is doubtful if under more favorable 
conditions a better or even as good showing would have 
been made. The mountaineer from old Glarus seems to 
have more readily taken root and thriven on the rocky hill- 
sides and pleasant valleys of New Glarus, than he would 
have done in what we now consider more favorable locali- 
ties. The energy developed in subduing the rocky soil, and 
felling the gnarled timber, seemed to give its possessors an 
impetus that carried them to competence and prosperity 
with a force that hardly would have been developed under 
easier beginnings. Had the pioneers not literally followed 
the society's orders to purchase twelve hundred acres in one 
body, it would have been better, as much rough and worth- 
less land was included, which could have been avoided and 
valuable land taken instead. But they thought themselves 
bound to follow their instructions strictly and conscien- 
tiously, and they deserve a full measure of appro v^al for 
their work. 

The Migration. 

And now to relate the story of the migration of the colo- 
nists to the place so selected for them. The society's com- 
mittee was at first inclined to postpone the emigration until 
the spring of ISi*), so as to give sufficient time for the 
pioneers to view the land, and, if a location was made, to 
make ample preparations for the reception of the people on 
their arrival. But the spirit of emigration had thoroughly 
permeated the whole community, and was at fever heat. 
The pressure was threatening to overthrow all the nicely- 
considered plans for an organized emigration. To avoid 
the consequences of a threatened irregular exodus, and in 
order to retain control of the movement, the committee was 
compelled to act promptly. The sixteenth of April, 1845, 
was therefore fixed upon for the departure. On account of the 
number of emigrants and the amount of their baggage, the 



350 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

water route down the Rhine to Rotterdam was determined 
upon, and preparations made accordingly. The emi- 
grants were notified to assemble, and hold themselves in 
readiness to embark at the time stated; and the respective 
amounts necessary to defray the passage and expenses were 
to be paid into a common fund, either by the colonists 
themselves, or, when unable, by the parishes to which they 
belonged. The whole scheme resembled a stock company, 
and each emigrant represented a share and was assessed in 
proportion for all expenses.' 

In the night of April 15-lG, the arrangements were finally 
completed, and on the morning of the sixteenth the com- 
mittee proceeded to the place of departure, — the so-called 
'• Biasche,"' a landing place on the Linth canal, which runs 
alongside the Linth river, a tributary of the Rhine in Glarus. 
On the banks of this canal, on this gloomy April morning, 
one hundred and ninety-three persons of all ages and con- 
ditions were collected in the pelting rain. Only one hundred 
and forty had been expected and provided for, but the de- 
sire to emigrate under the protection of an organization had 
become so great that almost at the last moment fifty-three 
more had, unannounced, joined the party and determined 
to share its fortunes. Such were the colonists who were in 
readiness to venture into that strange, far-off land, called 
America, of which they had read and spoken, heard and 
dreamed so much. It was said to be the home and refuge 
of the poor, where ihose who came with stout hands and 
willing hearts were sure eventually to reap a rich reward, 
and where, better than all, their children would have bread 
enough to eat. Yet among all those who were so ready and 
anxious to leave, few could look back upon the frowning 
yet beloved mountains, on whose rugged sides they had left 
their poor homes, and humble but kind friends and kindred, 
without feeling that their courage was tried to the utmost. 
But the thought gave them firmness, that in the beautiful 

' The reader cannot fail to note strong points of unconscious resemblance 
between this organization and that of the Pilgrim Fathers, two and a 
quarter centuries before. — Ed. 



l845-j THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 35 1 

land they were leaving, increasing and hopeless poverty- 
was ever present, and want and oppression were the lot of 
the poor, with no ray of hope for the better. 

With tearful eyes and hearts full of grief, they took their 
last leave of friends and fatherland; and with few earthly 
goods, but rich in firm resolves and hopes, they embarked 
in an open barge. Before starting, Landamman C. Jenny,' 
representing the government of the canton of Glarus, ad- 
dressed the colonists in words full of feeling. He urged 
upon them the necessity of industry, harmony, and unity; 
and commending them to the care of kind Providence, bade 
them God-speed and farewell. And so, amid the tears and 
kind wishes of an immense concourse of friends and rela- 
tives, the boat-load of emigrants started on their way and 
slowly began a wearisome journey towards an unknown 
land. At the start, the colonists chose two of their num- 
ber, George Legler and Jacob Grob, to act as leaders and 
spokesmen during the migration, to exercise general care 
and supervision over everything connected with the jour- 
ney, to preserve order, and to hear and redress all com- 
plaints. The colonists on their part promised to obey the 
directions and abide by the decisions of these leaders. 

Before reaching Zurich, the weather had become inclem- 
ent and snow fell, the closely-packed open vessel soon be- 
coming uncomfortable and unfit for the passage of so many. 
So inadequate was the space, in consequence of the unex- 
pected addition to the number of the company, that there 
was no room to lie down; and when night came, those who 
could slept as well as possible in a sitting posture. At 
Zurich, it became evident that this crowded condition must 
be relieved, or great distress would prevail, especially among 
the women and children. The Swiss bundesrath was at 
that time in session at Zurich, and the Glarus representa- 
tive. Cosmos Blumer, kindly provided teams and covered 
wagons, in which the women and children found more 
comfortable passage, and in which they followed the vessel 
on shore until they all reached Basle, about fifty miles from 

' Died at Glarus, May 25, 1893. 



352 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol. xii. 

Glarus. Mathias Duerst, one of the number, a man of 
more than ordinary intelligence and a close observer, kept 
a diary of the events on the journey, from which the author 
will freely quote.' 

Says Duerst: " We arrived at Basle on the 18th. The 
cold rain was falling in streams, and the utter wretched- 
ness and discomfort were enough to chill the ardor of the 
strongest among us wet, shivering men. The wagons con- 
taining our wives and children arrived about the same time; 
and although they had been packed in like a lot of goods, 
we were glad that they had not been exposed to the cold 
and wet as we had been." 

On the nineteenth, the emigrants again embarked, this 
time on a steamboat on the Rhine. The boat ran only in the 
daytime, and stopped every night, usually at some town or 
village, where the men would get out and purchase provis- 
ions for the next day, — for only the passage had been con- 
tracted for; every one had to provide food as best he could, 
whenever opportunity offered. There were no berths or 
beds on the boat, and sleep was had either on the bare 
planks of the vessel's deck or in such lodging-houses at the 
stopping places as could harbor the crowd at cheap rates. 
In this comfortless, wearisoinemanner,they proceeded down 
the Rhine northward. Loud and deep were the murmurs 
of discontent and exasperation at the want of consideration 
and business tact of those who had contracted the expedi- 
tion of the emigrants in this slow, miserable manner; and 
it sometimes required the utmost tact and persuasion on 
the part of the leaders, to preserve the peace and prevent 
open mutiny and disorder. What at first appeared the 
cheapest route proved, in consequence of the delays and 
increased cost of subsistence, to be by far the dearest. 

At last, on thethirtieth of April, they arrived at Rotter- 
dam, where they were loaded on two coasting vessels, 
wherein they were to be carried to New Dieppe, the sea- 
port. In the night a severe storm arose, which lasted until 

' It has been kindly loaned to the author by Miss Salome Duerst, a sister 
of Mathias, and herself one of the few surviving pioneer colonists. 



lS45-] THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 353 

the morning. It was a terrible experience, for none of the 
colonists were accustomed to the sea. May 2, they ar- 
rived at Xew Dieppe, and at once went on board of the 
ocean vessel, which was a fine three-master with eighty- 
eight berths. On the third they bought straw for their 
berths, and could now for the first time sleep with some 
comfort; but as no cooking arrangements had yet been 
placed in the ship, they were obliged to kindle fires on the 
land, and cook outdoors, in gypsy fashion. Owing to the 
ship's incomplete accommodations for carrying passengers, 
the company was delayed until the thirteenth, on which day 
the ship weighed anchor, and the departing Swiss bade fare- 
well to Europe — nearly all of them forever. A tug pulled the 
vessel out about six miles, when her sails were set, and day 
by day she plowed her way westward, sometimes tossed by 
storms and again almost becalmed. 

At that period, oh sailing vessels, each passenger or family 
cooked his or their own food, and among a large number 
of passengers the difficulty of getting a chance to cook in 
the one small kitchen was often extreme. The strong and 
healthy came first, the weakly were crowded out; during 
storms no fires were permitted, and the passengers were 
sometimes from four to five days without warm food or 
drink. The sick and the children suffered terribly at such 
times. The miserable ship biscuit was as fit for food as so 
much leather. Those who had dried meats and fruits, or 
cheese, fared quite well, but others suffered from hunger. 
Two and a half pounds of salt pork, a half pound of flour, two 
pounds of rice, and as much ship biscuit as could be used, 
were the weekly ration for each full passenger. -^^-i^ 

On the twenty-eighth, the company were saddened by 
two deaths, the wife of Rudolf Stauffacher, and a six- 
months-old child of Henry Stauffacher; they died within a 
few hours of each other, and in less than two hours after 
their death were wound in sheets, weighted with sand, and 
after a short burial service read by Jacob Grob, were sunk 
into the trackless ocean. The wretched quality of the food 
dealt out to the emigrants had by this time occasioned 



354 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

diarrhoea and dysentery among many. All were so weak- 
ened that despondency and discontent prevailed, and 
many the complaints and quarrels which the leaders were 
called upon to hear and quell. But in time more content- 
ment prevailed, for complaints did not mend matters. 

On the twenty eighth and twenty-ninth of June, land 
was in sight. The warm American air seemed to be full of 
reviving qualities, the sick grew better, the despondent 
gained courage; and when on the thirtieth day of June, 
after a voyage of forty- nine days full of storms and hard- 
ships, the vessel landed at Baltimore, all were on their feet 
cleansed and dressed in their best, ready and impatient to 
greet their adopted land and to found new homes in the then 
far west. The orders were, that the emigrants should proceed 
to St. Louis, where directions would be found to guide 
them to the selected locality. After some discussion, it 
was voted, in view of the miserable treatment on ship- 
board, that the firm to whom they were directed by the 
shippers at Rotterdam to apply for further transportation, 
were unworthy of confidence, and a committee of three 
were selected to contract for the passage to St. Louis. This, 
in view of the fact that an immense amount of extra bag- 
gage was to be transported, was a difficult matter. The 
emigrants and their friends, in their ignorance of the ex- 
tent and resources of this country, had taken along not 
only their clothing and bedding, but also their kitchen and 
table furniture, pots, pans, and kettles, and the mechanics 
had complete kits of tools. The belief was, that even should 
it be found that America could supply such articles, they 
would be much inferior to those brought from the old coun- 
try. Thus there were many thousands of pounds of excess 
baggage to provide for. A contract was finally made with 
a Jew, to carry the company to St. Louis for twenty dollars 
each adult; children from four to twelve years were rated at 
half -fare; those younger than four years were to be carried 
free; while the excess baggage was to be charged for at the 
rate of a dollar per hundred weight. These negotiations 
took several days. 



l845-] THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 



O.ID 



On the fourth of July, Mathias Duerst states in his diary : 
" We saw the most imposing ceremony that any of us ever 
saw in our lives. It was the funeral obsequies of the former 
president of the nation, Gen. Jackson. The space in my 
whole diary would be too small to describe the splendors 
and the solemnities we witnessed. Thousands on thousands 
of horsemen were in the procession, and the honors done to 
the memory of the great man who, like Cincinnatus, was 
several times called from the plow to the head of the nation, 
were impressive and grand. At this point, two of our 
families not having been provided with any means for fur- 
ther travel, made known their condition to the leaders, and 
it was determined to advance them fifteen dollars each out 
of the small relief fund of the colony, so as to provide them 
with food until the men could get emploj'ment, which they 
accepted with many thanks, and they remained at Bal- 
timore.'" 

Later, Duerst writes: " On the fifth of July, one mile out 
of the city, we got on the cars for the first time. Then we 
experienced the greatest pleasure in our lives. None of us 
had ever before rode on a railroad. We passed with the 
speed of the wind through splendid fields and wooded val- 
leys. The eye feasted on rapid changes, on rich grain fields, 
and fruitful orchards; and then we went by tasty, elegant 
dwellings. All this proclaimed American wealth and pros- 
perity to us, and the troubles and hardships of the weeks 
just passed were forgotten in the hope that some day we 
might call a like- appearing country our home. The train 
took us to the Susquehanna river at Columbia, where we 
left the cars and loaded our baggage and persons on the 
canal boats which were to carry us to Pittsburgh. These 
were totally inadequate for our numbers. We were packed 
in like a herd of sheep. Thirty to thirty-five human beings 
were put in a space twelve by seven feet; many could not 
even sit, but had to stand up the whole night. In the 
morning, more boats were provided. They were drawn by 
one horse each, and we had plenty of time to step out and 
buy milk or other provisions, the speed was so slow, and 
the stoppages many. At Hollidaysburg, the canal termi- 



356 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol/xil. 

nated; our boats with all their contents were loaded on an 
iron track and drawn up the steep mountain side by a 
wire rope attached to a steam-engine on the top, and were 
conveyed down on the other side, sometimes with horses 
and engines, and sometimes of our own motion. At Johns- 
town, our boats again were let into the canal, and proceeded 
as before. It is astonishing what works these Americans 
have performed." 

Duerst further says: " We passed through a delightful 
region, smiling with productiveness and plenty, log-houses 
alternating with fine mansions, and women in good clothes 
and bonnets on were milking cows; but this is about all 
the work they do, so far as I saw, for we perceived even 
in the log-houses that they sat in rocking chairs, clothed 
with bonnets and shawls, with arms crossed, sitting like 
noble ladies." 

At Pittsburgh, on the evening of the tenth, they em- 
barked on a steamboat, and steamed down the Ohio river. 
"■ Excepting that the wife of one of our emigrants gave 
birth to a fine boy, on the first night, and that our steamer 
ran aground while racing with another, there was nothing 
worthy of mention." The captain of the vessel, through an 
interpreter, informed himself of the purpose of the emi- 
grants, and bluntly told them they were fools to make 
such a journey for the sake of getting twenty acres 
of land with the privilege of paying for it,— that twenty 
acres in this country was nothing; it was not worth while 
building a house on. In a few years, by working at their 
trades or occupations, they could save enough money to 
buy ten times that amount of land. When the emigrants 
would not be dissuaded from their set purpose, he indig- 
nantly turned his back, and said he would not waste more 
words on such fools. At Cincinnati, three of the company 
tired of the seemingly endless journey, and were persuaded 
by friends living at that place to remain; several had 
already dropped off at Pittsburgh, in the same way. The 
wonder is, under the circumstances, that more did not de- 
tach themselves, especially those who were mechanics, for 
wages in the cities were about two dollars a day for skilled 



l845-] THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 357 

labor, and food and clothing were then very cheap. Noth- 
ing seemed, however, to be able to turn the main body from 
their purpose. The summer heat by day, the torment of 
myriads of mosquitoes by night, the crowded quarters, 
and the inferior food, were not calculated to elevate their 
spirits; but notwithstanding all this, their courage did not 
give out. On the nineteenth there was another birth of a 
bo}"", the third since leaving home. 

On the twenty-third, the company of Swiss emigrants ar- 
rived at St. Louis. Here they expected to meet their 
pioneers, Streiff and Duerst, or at least to find the prom- 
ised instructions from them; but neither the pioneers 
nor letters from them, were at St. Louis. There was 
nothing but a letter from Mr. Blumer, of Allentown, in 
which he informed them that the pioneers were on the 
search for land, somewhere in Illinois; but the letter was a 
month old. and gave no definite information. On the other 
hand, rumors circulated that the two pioneers had while 
exploring lost their lives. In the midst of conflicting 
stories of all kinds, the party and their leaders were in ex- 
treme anxiety. Undecided which way to turn, they rented 
two houses, in which they crowded for temporary shelter, 
meeting daily for mutual counsel. Some of the party 
earned a few dollars at odd jobs of work. The suspense 
finally became unbearable, and on the twenty-fifth it was 
determined that two of their number, Paulus Grob and 
Mathias Duerst. should proceed to search for the pioneers. 
They found a steamer ready to start for Peoria and other 
points on the Illinois river, and took deck passage, but were 
obliged on account of the intolerable plague of mosquitoes 
to change to cabin accommodations before going far. They 
arrived at Peoria on the night of the thirty-first, but found 
no tidings. Following a chance hint in Blumer's letter, 
they proceeded to Peru, Illinois, seventy-five miles across 
the country. The fare on the steamer was four dollars, 
which was more money than they had, and they went 
most of the way on foot. 

They relate that immense tracts of prairie were still wild, 
unenclosed, and open for entry and sale, and they 



35S WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

were charmed by the beauty and productiveness of the 
country. They were hospitably entertained by the settlers 
on the way, and Duerst relates in his diary: " Everj^ one 
seems to live in plenty. The tables in the lowliest cabins 
are as well if not better supplied than those of the best 
hotels in Switzerland, and the surprise is that they can live 
in this way, and yet it is said the people only work about 
one-fourth of the year; the rest of the year they go hunting, 
or follow such other amusement as they please. The cattle 
are no trouble; when night comes, they come of themselves 
to the dwellings, and so many of the cows are milked 
as is necessary for the wants of the family, and no more. 
Sheep cost no more than their wool would bring. This 
seems like a country of marvelous plenty, and the people 
are extremely friendly." 

They arrived at Peru on the third of August, and on 
inquiry at the post- office found that the pioneers had been 
there, had gone to Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and had re- 
quested the post-master to forward all mail for them to that 
locality. This was depressing news. The little money the 
men had was gone, and it would cost twelve dollars to 
carry them to Galena. Out of this dilemma they were lifted 
by a fellow Swiss, John Freuler, who was working at 
Peru; he generously loaned them the necessary sum until 
such time as they could repay him. They, wrote to St. 
Louis what the situation was, and hired a team and driver. 
Duerst thus describes the outfit: "The wagon was a 
miserable affair without springs, and covered with a torn, 
dirty rag, but the horses were splendid, fit for princes; it is 
just the reverse of what it is in the old home. There the 
carriages are fine and grand, but the horses are miserable 
things. We fairly flew across the wide prairies, which 
seemed as wide as the ocean — nothing but sky and grass, 
no shrub, tree, or human being to be seen." 

On the sixth, they reached Galena, and pcoceeded north- 
ward through the lead-mine region into Wisconsin, travel- 
ing mostly on foot, and arriving at Mineral Point next day 
at 9 o'clock in the evening. In answer to anxious inquiries, 
they learned that the pioneers were yet thirty-five miles 



lS45-] THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 359 

farther on, that they had bought land, and were awaiting 
the colonists, of whom they had no information, and knew 
not in what direction to look for them. They determined 
to go forward, and a helpful German found a team and 
driver for them, promising to see that it was paid for until 
they could repay him. They rode twenty -five miles, when 
darkness overtook them and they were obliged, despite their 
impatience, to stop over night with a settler. They found, too, 
they had missed the direct road. Next day they proceeded, 
and about t o'clock in the afternoon stopped at another 
house, here finding that those they sought were still four 
miles off. The teamster, desiring to return to Mineral 
Point, refused to go farther, and the men were obliged to 
travel on foot in the direction indicated. In due time they 
saw through an opening in the timber, first some huts, and 
then men at work. The latter approached, and in these they 
found the long- sought pioneers and friends. As all clasped 
hands, with tears of. joy springing to their eyes, their feel- 
ings may better be imagined than described. The joy of 
that first meeting was something to be remembered by all, 
so long as life lasted. 

The new comers were first refreshed with food and drink, 
and then shown over the new possession. To their eyes it 
seemed a splendid sight. Hills and valleys, woods, prairies, 
and streams, seemed in just the right proportion, all being 
glorified in the brilliant light of that August day. A halo 
was cast over all imperfections; in the eyes of the weary 
wanderers, all things in this land of promise were perfect. It 
was at once decided that some one should go to St. Louis 
and guide the other colonists hither. The new comers were 
anxious to remain and assist in the work of building shelters. 
Judge Duerst was therefore requested to go for the colonists, 
and left at once. He arrived at Galena on the evening of the 
next day, intending there to take river passage to St. Louis. 
Early next morning he went to the steamboat landing. 
While there, some one casually remarked that a large party 
of immigrants had arrived the evening before from St. 
Louis on the very steamer on which he was about to take 
down passage. Curiosity caused him to make further in- 



3 



60 ^YISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 



quiries, when to his astonishment he found that those 
whom he was going to escort from St. Louis had arrived. 
The delight of this meeting can well be imagined. 

All were eager to leave immediately for their new home. 
Duerst directed that the able-bodied men should start in 
advance, and assist in preparing for the reception and shel- 
ter of the main body, while he would make some necessary 
arrangements and purchases, and follow as soon as pos- 
sible. On the afternoon of the same day, eighteen men 
started on foot for the settlement, a distance of sixty-two 
miles. Such was their eagerness, that they travelled all 
night and the next day, without stopping, except to partake 
of food. On the evening of the second day, they arrived 
at Wiota, in LaFayette county. There they obtained lodg- 
ing for the night in a stable. There was no road in the 
direction of the settlement, so procuring a guide, and buy- 
ing some flour, and loading it on their backs, together with 
their tools and cooking utensils, they walked the rest of the 
way, arriving in the evening tired and footsore. They re- 
late that every person whom they met or saw fled at their 
approach, and no wonder; for bearded, rough, and ragged 
as they were, loaded with all manner of baggage and tools, 
at a distance they more resembled a band of robbef s than 
a party of honest immigrants. 

Without delay the new comers began the building of a 
large hut, in addition to those already provided. A large 
excavation was made in the hillside, within the enclosure 
of what is now known as the old graveyard, close to the 
site of the present district school-house. Posts were set in 
the ground, and a roof made of boughs and wild hay; the 
sides were afterwards enclosed with boards hauled from 
Galena; the floor was at first the bare earth, this being 
afterwards covered with split poplar logs, the riven side 
uppermost; there were no windows or chimney. Some of 
the men were carpenters, all were workers? and the mate- 
rials were close at hand, so that when in three days after- 
ward all the colonists arrived they were passably sheltered, 
at least from wind and sun. Teams had been hired at 
Galena to convey the women, children, and provisions, but 



lS45-] THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 361 

not in sufficient numbers, so that all except the smallest 
and weakest had to take turns in riding and walking. On 
the always-to-be-remembered fifteenth day of August, 1845, 
all of the colonists, except those who strayed on the way, 
were assembled in the promised land of New Glarus. 

The entire journey of over five thousand miles had been 
made by water, except the distance from Baltimore to Co- 
lumbia, and from Galena to New Glarus. Taking into ac- 
count the time consumed, and the vexatious delays and 
hardships undergone, the journey seems to have a parallel 
only in the exodus of the Jews from Egypt to their prom- 
ised land. Only a hundred and eight remained out of 
the original hundred and ninety-three, the rest having 
from various causes deserted the party. Many of these 
deserters, however, in after years rejoined the colony and 
remained to share its labors and successes. 

Sharing the then popular belief that America was mostly 
an uncultivated wilderness, many of the colonists had, as 
I have before stated, brought with them from Switzer- 
land their tools, pots, pans, and kettles of the old style, — 
heavy and unwieldy, but having the sterling quality of 
durability. Despite the cost and trouble of transportation, 
it proved fortunate that they were brought; for in the utter 
absence of money at the first, no one could have bought any- 
thing, and these implements did duty for the whole settle- 
ment, being used in turn until each family had the 
means to buy their own. When the colonists arrived at 
their location, there was but little food on hand, except 
what they brought with them from Galena. The streams 
abounded in fish, but hooks and lines were few, so that one 
party was detailed to catch grasshoppers for bait, and an- 
other to catch fish. A large number were soon caught, 
but in the making up of the supplies salt had been forgotten. 
Hunger and want, however, are excellent cooks. The 
large hut answered the purpose of a shelter very well in the 
day time and in fair weather; but at night and on rainy 
days the inmates were crowded like sheep in a pen, to avoid 
the drip. New log houses, sixteen in number, rude and 
simple, roofed with wild hay. and capable of accommo- 



362 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

dating two families each, were put up as fast as possible. 
When Christmas arrived, the colony was fairly housed, and 
in a measure prepared for winter. 



Talcing Root. 

The beginning- was now made. The land was bought 
and surveyed, but the immediate prospect was dismal 
enough. Far away from communication with their old 
home, with neighbors who were strangers and looked upon 
them with distrust; ignorant of the language, customs, 
manners, and laws of the new country; knowing noth- 
ing of the prevalent mode of cultivating the soil, and 
in want of proper clothing and the necessaries of life, it 
certainly was a dark outlook to these colonists. If it had 
not been that the sum of a thousand dollars, provided in 
Switzerland for their assistance, arrived just at this time, 
it would indeed have gone hard with them. This money, 
under the direction of the leaders, was wisely expended: a 
portion for food and clothing, and the remainder for stock 
of various kinds. 

Streiff wrote at this time to the Emigration Society: "I 
buy the provisions in large quantities and distribute them at 
cost, charging the amount to those who have no means, 
and receiving payment from those who are more fortunate. 
I supply all, even those who have means to buy, as they 
could not buy as cheaply themselves. Flour per cwt. costs 
two dollars, beef two and a half cents a lb. by the quarter, 
tallow four cents, lard four cents, and potatoes twenty-two 
cents per bushel. Should the people do well, I shall call 
upon them to repay these advances." 

The first winter passed quietly. Beyond planning for the 
work of the coming season, and providing the necessary fuel, 
little could be done. In the spring, the colonists drew lots for 
their twenty-acre portions, which were mostly meadow or 
prairie land. The timber-lot of eighty acres, some two 
miles away, was held in common; for more than a year, 
each colonist used from it what he needed, and then it 
was divided into two-and-a-half -acre lots, one to go 



1845-46.1 THE PLANTING (J\' M:\\ (iLARUS. ^6 



0^0 



with each twenty-acre tract. It was agreed that the cost 
of the land at the time of purchase, together with advances 
made for any other purpose, should be repaid by the colonists 
without interest, within ten years. Should any person 
abandon or refuse to accept his tract, the next Swiss emi- 
grant settler might take it. Only a few of these tracts were 
abandoned, and all were paid for before the ten years had ex- 
pired. 

It is proper to record a secession on a small scale. 
Small as the canton of Glarus is, ranges of lofty mountains 
divide it into two natural divisions, the Great and Little 
valleys. Each of these valleys, and in fact almost every 
village, has some peculiarity of language and customs, and 
the inhabitants of each section cherish a strong clannish 
feeling and affection for their own people. This clannish 
spirit, born in the valleys of the fatherland, showed itself 
from the start, in spite of their common interest in the pres- 
ent venture. Each group of colonists preferred to associate 
with their own valley people. This feeling was particularly 
strong among the Little-valley folk, perhaps because of the 
secluded location of their old home. About one -fourth of 
the settlers were from the Little-valley. Some matters of 
disagreement, trifling in themselves, caused a division, and 
this led to the secession of about twenty-five of these per- 
sons. A few weeks after their arrival, they erected a sepa- 
rate shelter for themselves on the east bank of the stream, 
about eighty rods from the main habitation, and close to the 
present bridge. But in the spring they rejoined the main 
body. Several of these same families, after a year or two, 
abandoned the colony altogether, and removed to larger 
tracts of land in the towns of Mt. Pleasant and Sylvester, 
some twelve miles distant, where there is now a prosperous 
and large settlement, mainly of Little-valley people. The 
younger portion of the community have, however, out- 
grown the old clannish distrust, and the two groups have 
become, through intermarriage and other social ties, united 
and harmonious. 

After the allotment of the land had been made, each col- 
onist began to clear and plow his tract, in which labor the 



364 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

women rendered assistance, as most of them were accus- 
tomed from childhood to outdoor work. At first the break- 
ing was slow and laborious, being done with spades and 
shovels, for no teams or plows were obtained until later 
in the season. Potatoes, beans, and other vegetables were 
thus planted ; and later, some sod corn. During the first 
spring (184G), drovers from Ohio brought droves of cows to 
Exeter. The colonists hearing of it set out to purchase, 
and being excellent judges of cattle soon selected the best 
animals of the herd, in sufficient numbers to give each 
family one. These cost twelve dollars per head, and were 
paid for out of the reserve fund before mentioned. Addi- 
tional cabins were now built on a separate plat, so as to 
form a village, and each family soon had a home of its 
own. With a hut and a cow for each household, and vege- 
tables growing, the frugal people began to feel contented 
and prosperous. Like a young tree the colony had at last 
taken root, and was growing. 

Progress towards prosperity and independence was nat- 
urally slow, because of want of adequate means to buy 
tools and stock, and ignorance in the manner of tilling the 
soil and taking care of crops after the methods of this 
country. Generally, in their native home, no horses or 
plows can be used in agriculture. — spading, sowing, 
mowing, etc., all being done by hand. The hay and other 
products are carried on the backs of men and women. In 
fact, the colonists were ignorant of all farming methods, 
except the care of cattle and the making of butter and 
cheese. A beginning under such conditions would have 
been most discouraging to a people less used to toil and 
privation. Without money, without skill, many thousands 
of miles from those on whom they had claims for assistance, 
it required the exercise of the firmest determination, cour- 
age, and faith, to hold out. Too much credit cannot be 
given to those in whom lay the care and direction of 
the colony, in its first efforts to take root. Almost 
daily they were called upon to administer comfort and aid 
on the one hand, and to reprove or arbitrate on the other. 
They performed the functions of teacher, physician, pas- 



1 845-46-! THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 



j^n 



tor, and judge, with patience and tact. In this connection, 
Messrs. Streiff, Duerst, and J. J. Tschudy, and Pastor 
Streissguth deserve special mention. Notwithstanding their 
efforts, however, there was much dissatisfaction and trouble 
for two or three years. If it had not been for the dif- 
ficulty in returning home from so remote a place, and the 
utter want of means, it is more than likely that enough 
would have left and returned to Switzerland, or gone to 
other places, to break up the colony. But most of them will- 
ingly or unwillingly accepted the situation, and made up 
their minds to win success. 

After putting in their little crops, it was evident that some- 
thing must be done to provide money for clothing and 
other necessaries, until the land should nourish the people. 
Many of the men, and also women, sought and found work 
elsewhere, — the men in the lead mines at Exeter and Min- 
eral Point, and on the farms of the older settlers in the dis- 
trict; while the women engaged themselves as domestic 
servants, washerwomen, — in fact, doing anything by which 
they could honestly earn something. In those days, a 
man's wages were fifty cents and board per day, and even 
this small amount was paid mostly in flour, meat, potatoes, 
or other produce, which the Swiss workmen carried home 
on their shoulders, often as far as twenty-five miles. 
Money was then almost unknown in rural Wisconsin, In 
this way they contrived to live, until they could subdue 
enough land from which to win food at home. 

When the colonists went into winter quarters at the close 
of the year 1845, Judge Nicholas Duerst returned to his na- 
tive Switzerland, much to the regret of all. Upon his arrival 
home, the friends of the colony prevailed upon J. J. Tschudy 
to accept the position he had vacated. Mr. Tschudy arrived 
at the settlement in the autumn of 184G, and resided 
there until 1856, during which time he ably continued 
the work of his predecessor. By his judicious counsel 
and management, he won the approval and esteem not 
only of his countrymen but of all classes of people. 



;66 



WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. 



[vol 



xn. 



Material Progress. 

During the first two seasons, the requisite labor of build- 
ing, and breaking land, was ]3erfornied mostly in common. 
Out of the common fund, Streiff purchased four yoke of 
oxen. They were used in regular turn by each settler, for 
breaking, drawing wood, or other necessary work. These 
oxen are reported to have had fully as hard fare and serv- 
ice as any of the colonists. After becoming acquainted 
with the older settlers in the vicinity, the Swiss learned 
from them valuable lessons in the methods of American 
agriculture, and also obtained from the latter timelj^ assist- 
ance. Among those often mentioned by the colonists with 
feelings of gratitude, were Capt. Otis Ross, Theodore Green- 
wood, Charles George, and the Armstrongs. Noah Phelps 
and Norman Churchill, of Monroe, are also mentioned as 
having, in a spirit of kindly charity, collected and brought 
to the colony a wagon-load of provisions and clothing for 
the destitute settlers, during the year 1847. 

From 1847 to 1854, although the material progress of the 
colony was slow, it was sure. Every year's count showed 
an increasing gain in property. In a very short time the 
Swiss realized the truth of the Ohio-river captain's asser- 
tion that twent}^ acres in this country was as nothing; 
and all money, slowly and toilfully earned, was carefully 
hoarded. As soon as fifty dollars was saved by a colonist, 
he promptly invested it in a forty- acre tract of government 
land. The journey to the land ofiice at Mineral Point, 
thirty-five miles distant, was mostly made on foot, for prior 
to 1850 there were very few horses in the colony. Counts 
of stock, etc., in the colony, made in 1847 and 1849, resulted 
as follows: 



1847. 1849. 

Horses 2 1 

Bull 1 1 

Oxen and steers. . . 10 41 

Cows 37 49 

Heifers 15 40 



1847. 1849. 

Calves 25 51 

Sheep -. 15 

Hogs 193 1,482 

Land broke (acres) 109 280 
Population 104 125 



1845-50-] THE PLANTING OF NKW GLARUS. 



367 



I find from the records, the following list of heads of 
families, who were the original colonists of 1845: 



Wife. 

.. 1 

.. 1 



Chil- 
dren, 
o 

5 
1 
1 







Chil 


Wife. 


dren 


George Legler 


1 


5 


J. Caspar Legler 


1 


5 


Abraham Schindler. 


1 


3 


Balthasar Schindler. 


— 


1 


David Schindler 


— 


— 


Mathias Schmid 


1 


4 


Anton Stauffacher . . 


1 


4 


Henry Stauffacher . . 


1 


G 


Jacob Stauffacher . . . 


1 


3 


' Peter Stauffacher's 






family 


1 


4 


Rudolph Stauffacher. 


1 


4 


Fridolin Streiff 


1 


2 


Hilarius Wild 


1 


1 



Fridolin Babler. . 
Oswald Babler. . . 

Caspar Becker — 

Fridolin Becker 1 

Jost Becker 1 — 

Balthasar Duerst 1 4 

Mathias Duerst 1 2 

Fridolin Hefti 1 2 

Fridolin Hoesli 1 2 

Henry Hoesli 1 2 

Marcus Hoesli — 2 

Mathew Hoesli 1 2 

Fridolin Legler, Sr . . 1 5 

Fridolin Legler, Jr.. 1 1 

Total: 26 men: 23 wives; 73 



Up to the twentieth of November, 1840, seven persons 
had died, and two were born in the colony, while eight col- 
onists and their families had gone away, leaving their lots. 
Up to the same date there were twenty dwellings in the 
colony. From the account rendered, we find the whole 
amount of money advanced by the association for the 
founding of the colony to have been $5,600. This includes 
cost of exploration and location, passage of emigrants, pur- 
chase of twelve hundred and eighty acres of land, and sub- 
sistence. 

As might be expected, the reports of the colonists in their 
first letters to friends at home were of the most contradict- 
ory character. Some were hopeful, while others were full 
of complaints of hardship, hunger, and privation, and the 
latter had a great deal of foundation for their tales of woe: 
for as late as 1850 the Rev. William Streissguth, the first 
pastor, writes that, owing to the breaking of the threshing 



' He died on the journey, at Galena. 



368 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol. xii. 

machine, no wheat could be had to take to mill. In conse- 
quence, for some days there was not a pound of flour in the 
settlement, and he ate three meals a day of boiled potatoes 
alone. He further writes that, while on Sundays the peo- 
ple are simply but decently dressed, on week days one often 
meets those who from the number and character of the 
patches composing their clothing, might pass for traveling 
sample cards; sun and moon could freely look through their 
rents. "But," he adds, "this is so common that it causes 
no embarrassment, there being no good reason why knees 
and elbows should not rejoice in the sunshine, as well as 
hands and face." He further says: " Our colonists console 
each other with the hopeful thought that they are in the 
way of attaining, in the near future, a pleasant home free 
from debt, when they will be able to regard the needs of 
the body more in accordance with their wishes." , 

From 1850 on, it became evident that the colony had 
taken root firmly, and was thriving: there were nearer and 
better markets for their spare produce; and the constantly 
increasing acreage of tilled land showed thrift and prog- 
ress in stronger terms than reports or letters. 

The outbreak of the Crimean War in 1 854, and the con- 
sequent immense rise in the price of wheat, the principal 
product of the west at that time, caused a large and in- 
creasing immigration to the Mississippi valley, and the 
New Glarus colony received a steady acquisition of Swiss 
immigrants each year, mostly of a class who possessed 
sufficient means to buy land and stock, and to make im- 
provements. The new comers were not only from Glarus, 
but from other parts of Switzerland as well. Families and 
individuals from elsewhere in the fatherland, settled in 
Green county, in close proximity to the original colony, — 
notably the Bernese, in the towns of Jefferson, Clarno, and 
Washington.' 

From time to time, immigrants would come out, and after 

'See Wis. Hist. Coll., viii,, p. 438, for Mr. Luchsinger's account of the 
establishment of the colony of people from Bilten, in old Glarus, in 1847, 
at a p(nnt five miles from New Glarus. — Ed. 



1854-92. J THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 369 

a season become dissatisfied and return to Switzerland, or 
go elsewhere in America. Yet on the whole, most of those 
who came to New Glarus remained, and at the (?lose of the 
year 1854 it could be safely announced that the colony was 
a success. The enterprise was standing proof of what a 
small amount of money, well directed and expended, may 
do to better the condition of the honest poor of overcrowded 
places in the old and new world. As the money thus laid 
out has long since been refunded, the founding of this 
colony cost literally nothing, while the benefit to thousands 
has been priceless. 

Of these hardy first-comers but few survive, and they 
are year by year becoming fewer; those who remain are 
enjoying the peaceful evening of their lives in comfort and 
ease. All those who practiced the old-time industry, 
economy, and sobriety, are, with their descendants, far 
better off than it would have been possible for them to 
become in their old home. 

Lands in Green county have steadily advanced in price, 
especially since the advent of cheese factories and railroads. 
Cheap lands are no longer to be had, and there is but little 
disposition to sell at all, for to the Swiss there is only one 
New Glarus. Numbers of stalwart young men come each 
year from the old home across seas, to found new homes 
here. On the other hand, many young men have each 
year gone to the fertile prairies of the farther west, set- 
tling either in colonies or as independent settlers. Dodge 
county in Minnesota, Lincoln county in Dakota, Kossuth 
and Hmnboldt counties in Iowa, and the states of California 
and Oregon, contain large numbers of young men who have 
gone forth from New Glarus. 

Religious History. 

I have sketched the material progress of the colony, but 
my work would not be complete unless the social, educa- 
tional, religious, and political history received some 
mention. The established and prevailing religion of the 
canton of Glarus is the Reformed Church of Switzerland. 
24 



370 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

About one-fifth of the people adhere to the Roman Catholic 
church, and by the terms of ancient compacts the govern- 
ment supports these two churches in proportion to the 
number of their members. The New Glarus colonists were all 
Protestants, and members of the Reformed church. Dur- 
ing the first four years, no regular religious services were 
held. At the bedsides of the sick, and at the graves of 
the dead, would be read the impressive services of the 
church. The hymns and psalms were kept in memory by 
frequent practice on Sundays. At irregular intervals, itin- 
erant preachers of the Methodist church made their ap- 
pearance, and their rude but earnest exhortations, and their 
wild and mournfully-beautiful songs, were heard in the 
land. Hungry and thirsty as the people were for religious 
sympathy and teaching, they did not stop to question to 
what church these wandering preachers belonged. 

In the autumn of 1849, the congregations of old Glarus 
awakened to a sense of the necessity and propriety of supply- 
ing religious instruction to the colony in America. Will- 
iam Streissguth, a graduate of the Mission House at Basle, 
was selected as preacher and missionary to the Wisconsin 
Swiss. On the sixth of April, 1850, he started from Basle, 
and on the twenty-third of June arrived at New Glarus, 
being warmly greeted by the colonists. He writes: "The 
greeting could not have been heartier, or more joyous. I 
thanked the giver of all good gifts, by whorn I felt that the 
care of this portion of his people had been intrusted to me. 
My fears and prejudices vanished, as I met and conversed 
with them. I found that the religious feeling and senti- 
ment had from disuse become only dormant, and not, as I 
and others had feared, extinct. Only regular and faithful 
work is required, to cause the nobler qualities again to as- 
sume control. Of course five years of utter neglect in the 
matter of schools and religious training, can hardly be 
made good by five years of even double zeal 'and effort." 

In the little plain log church, neat but devoid of orna- 
ment, on the first Sunday after his arrival, Mr. Streissguth 
held divine service, and consecrated the building to the 



1850.] THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 



371 



worship of God. He adds, in his letter: "While this 
temple is in no way to be likened to that of Solomon, yet 
was our joy and thankfulness as great as that of Solomon, 
when he with all of Israel consecrated his temple." On the 
Tuesday following, the people were organized as an inde- 
pendent congregation of the Swiss Reformed church. J. J. 
Tschudy was elected president, and a board of capable 
trustees was selected. Arrangements were made for re- 
ligious and secular teaching of the children in the German 
language, which after fire years of almost total intermis- 
sion was found to be a difficult task. Streissguth writes: 
" During the first hours of my labors as a teacher, I hardly 
realized that the flock around me were Christian children, 
and not wild heathen." But the zeal of the young mission- 
ary was equal to the occasion, and enthusiasm and tact suc- 
ceeded in bringing order into the minds of his pupils, and 
restoring the knowledge of religious truth in the minds of 
young and old. 

The intrepid pastor had only his own strength to 
support him in his work. There was no conference, no 
synod, no general assembly, to aid or instruct him. He 
was as much a pioneer, thrown upon his own resources, as 
in their way were the colonists. At this time (1S50), the 
congregation numbered sixty-four members, all heads of 
families except two or three. The pastor's duties were to 
hold service each Sunday morning, and religious instruction. 
in the afternoon; during the week, there was instruction in 
reading and writing. He visited all of the families regu- 
larly, and in cases of sickness often served both as physi- 
cian and pastor. As a missionary he had received the usual 
medical training. In short, he was a typical missionary, 
who aimed to perform the work of his Master thoroughly 
and well. At this time a branch Swiss colony, five miles 
distant, called Bilten, was founded. Streissguth also went 
to that place every four weeks, to preach and instruct. 
For the first year of his labor, and for his expenses of 
passage from Switzerland, he received from the council of 
the parishes in old Glarus two hundred dollars. For the 
second year, the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars was 



372 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

voted. So much work for so little pay has since the days 
of the Apostles probably not been rendered. 

The first house of worship in New Glarus was built of 
hewn logs in 1849, by voluntary contributions of labor, 
material, and money. The building was used also for a 
school-house, and place of public meeting. The school dis- 
trict bought it, when the stone church of to-day was built, 
and after the building of the present school- house the 
pioneer structure was sold and removed several miles 
east of the village, and used as a farm house. The stone 
church was built in 1858. It is a solid, plain structure, 
with a square tower, surmounted by a small dome containing 
two bells. Streissguth remained until 1855, being succeeded 
by Rev. John Zimmermann, also from Switzerland, who re- 
mained untij 1859. The present pastor. Rev. John T. Etter, 
came in 1860, and has without interruption served the con- 
gregation to the present time, a period of thirty-two years. 

A second church : elongs to the Evangelical Association, 
whose manner of worship is the same as that of the Method- 
ists. Their first itinerant preachers came into the vicin- 
ity in 1847. The Swiss of that day, and, in a measure, of the 
present day, regarded any one of their nation as degener- 
ate and an apostate who became attached to any other de- 
nomination than the Reformed church; but in spite of 
opposition, dislike, and even persecution, converts to the 
new sect were made in some numbers. In 1859, the new 
congregation had so far gained in numbers and wealth as 
to be able to build a large and convenient meeting-house, on 
a hill about two miles south from the village — they not ven- 
turing at that time, in consequence of the strong prejudice 
against them, to build in the hamlet itself. In 1865, this 
feeling had so far softened that it was resolved to move the 
building mto the village. The wholesome protection of 
the laws, combined with a more liberal and fraternal spirit, 
have removed every fear of trouble, so that now meetings 
are regularly held and well attended. In the year 1890, a 
fine large frame church was built in the village, on a com- 
manding site, by this congregation. The frequent changes 
in the ministry of the Evangelical church make it difficult 



1892.] THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 



)72> 



to give a list of its preachers. Its congregation comprises 
about one-fourth of the people, some of whom are among the 
most worthy and progressive citizens of the community. 

may charitably be presumed that the former dislike of 
the orthodox Swiss to those of their people who changed 
their faith had its origin in the conservative veneration 
for things as they are in Switzerland, rather than in any 
spirit of blind persecution. 

In the Reformed church, this veneration for what is cus- 
tomary at home causes- strict adherence to the ancient 
forms of worship. The New Glarus congregation is nomi- 
nally in connection with the synod of eastern Switzerland, 
but the relation is of no practical benefit to either. The 
hymn and prayer books, and catechisms, are imported as 
needed, none of this kind being printed or used in the 
United States. The necessary expenses in support of the- 
Reformed church are defrayed by levying yearly a tax 
equally on the heads of families, rich and poor. The amount 
is determined at the annual meeting, at which only the 
male members attend or vote. The meeting also makes or 
alters the rules for the good of the congregation. Repeated 
efforts have been made by kindred synods in the United 
States to cause this church at New Glarus to join them, but 
all attempts in that direction have failed on account of an 
independent spirit which will not brook even the semblance 
of control. The members say that in the days of their early 
struggles and poverty, no helping hand was extended to 
them from any synod, and they will have none of their con- 
nection now.' 

Education. 

As I have already stated, the matter of common schools 
received some attention soon after the colony was founded. 
Little, however, has even yet been done towards a higher 
education. A limited number of young men have with com- 
mendable energy gone to other places, and acquired such ad- 

' Mr. Luchsinger's article in Wis. Hist. Coll., viii., gives at pp. 429-431, 
an interesting description of the curious church services and customs at 
New Glarus. — Ed. 



374 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

vanced instruction as their means afforded. Several of these 
have become successful teachers, merchants, and profes- 
sional men. Nevertheless, sufficient attention has not yet 
been paid to the training of the many bright young men 
and v^omen for professional careers. One reason, presum 
ably, is the notion, somewhat prevalent among the elders, 
that such education spoils boys for workers, and girls for 
housewives. This apathy in the matter of higher educa- 
tion, and in providing intellectual food and enjoyment for 
all, was excusable at the beginning of the settlement; at 
that time, and for a number of years afterward, all the 
best thought, labor, and energy was necessary to provide 
food, shelter, and clothing. But the habit of thought in 
that direction became in too many instances a second nat- 
ure, lasting long after the necessity for parsimonious 
economy had passed away. As a consequence, the intellect- 
ual development has not kept pace with the material con- 
dition of the people. Every young person has longings for 
mental enjoyment, which must not be ignored. If the duty 
of parents and teachers to provide intellectual and educat- 
ing recreations has been neglected, he is perforce obliged to 
seek his companions and pleasures where he can find them. 
Hence the saloon has prospered at the expense of the literary 
society, and card and billiard tables at the expense of public 
libraries and lyceums. However, better things are hoped 
for in this direction. Many parents have awakened to a 
sense of the necessity of doing something more for their 
children than getting for them money and lands; and the 
next generation will doubtless show a prouder array of 
men and women who can and have distinguished them- 
selves in the learned professions.' 

' See /6zd. , pp. 432-434, for historical sketch of the New Glarus schools, 
Eng^lish and German. The first district school ( English) was started in 
1847 by a Mr. Cowan, in Balthasar Suhindler's log house. The first dis- 
trict school-house was built in 1849, Peter Jenny being the teacher during 
some six year^i following. The German schools in the village were ably 
conducted, a Mr. Ernst being the first teacher. A favorite master, F. 
Knobel, of old Glarus, taught from 1867 to 1890, dying in Milwaukee in 
1892. On pp. 437, 438, Ibid., Mr. Liichsinger describes the extensive manu- 



1845-90.] THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 



Retrospect. 



575 



The political history of the settlement is not an exciting 
one. The township of New Glarus was named and organ- 
ized as such in April, ] SoO, prior to which the territory com- 
prising it had been attached for civil purposes to the ad- 
joining town of York, and was popularly known as " the 
Swiss colony."' The plat containing the colony lands, par- 
celled into sixty twenty acre lots, was surveyed by A. W. 
Comfort, August :;'0, 1845. The village was laid out and 
platted by JSamuel Spangler, of Monroe, in ibol. From the 
beginning the political preferences of the people have been 
mostly for the democratic party; two- thirds or more of the 
colonists vote that way. 1 1 is another instance of the conserv- 
atism of these Swiss settlers, that they have mainly adhered 
through all changes to the political creed they first embraced. 
For a man to change his politics is quite as rare among 
them as to change his religion. Nevertheless, a can- 
didate known to be worthy and competent will get their 
support, irrespective of party. Elections are for the most 
part conducted quietly, and but little of the usual election- 
eering jobbing or trading is done. Public speakers of all 
parties are always respectfully heard and well received. 
J. J. Tschudy was the first Swiss elected to a county office, 
being chosen register of deeds in ls58; he served as such 
two terms, and then was elected county clerk four times, 
serving from L"64 to 1873. Mathias Marty wr,s elected 
county clerk in J8G2, and from ]87•^ to 18SG. John Luch- 
singer was elected five times to the state assembly. In the 
session of 1887, both the Green county members. John Luch- 
singer and J. 0. Zimmerman, were Swiss: the former was 
also county treasurer from 18^3 to 1887. Edward Ruegger 
was elected sheriff in 1882, and Thomas Luchsingerin 1890. 

facture of cheese in New Glarus. Early industries are described on 
p. 437, — the first saw-mill (water power) bein^ built by Joshua Wild in 1851 ; 
David Klassy built the first grist-mill in 1862; in 1867, Dr. Blumer & Co. 
operated the first brewery. Upon p. 431, the author gives an entertaining 
account of the religious festival of Kilbi, on the last Sunday of September 
in each jear. — Ed. 



Tf'j6 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

No lawyer has ever located in the settlement. The Swiss 
have a horror of litigation, and it is only when all other 
means fail that one resorts to courts of justice. The 
few cases in which the aid of a lawyer has been required 
were managed by attorneys from Monroe. With a people 
so industrious and economical, there can be little or no liti- 
gation. Possibly this characteristic may have been im- 
parted in some degree to the other citizens of Green county, 
for true it is that in proportion to the population and wealth 
there are less days of court and fewer lawyers there than 
in any other like county in the state. 

In a less degree this may be said of the physicians. The 
plain, simple habits of living, and regular exercise, com- 
bine with the healthful climate? and pure water to keep the 
people healthy above the average.' 

In 1861, when the civil war broke out, the Swiss in New 
Glarus and vicinity furnished their full proportion of volun- 
teers, ninety-eight boys in blue, who did not dishonor the 
memory of their brave sires who fought the battles of Swiss 
independence in the fatherland. 

In 1S87, the Illinois Central railway projected and built a 
railway from Freeport, via Monroe, to Madison, the line 
running within three miles of New Glarus. Efforts were 
made to obtain a branch of this road to run to the village, 
but no definite promise could be obtained from the 
company. Pending the negotiations, the Chicago, Mil- 
waukee & St. Paul railway, whose territory had been in- 
vaded by the new road, sent its agents to New Glarus with 
a definite proposition to build a road from its terminus at 
Albany. With business-like promptness, the New Glarus 
people seized this opportunity to connect themselves with 

'J. J. Tschady was the first to render assistance to the sick, he having 
some knowledge of medicine and a small stock of medicine when he came 
over. Rev. Mr. Streissguth afterwards supplied medical aid to the colonists; 
and later Bonjour. a French Swiss, dispensed drugs. Tn 1853 Dr. S. Blu- 
mer. a good physician froai Glarus, arrived, and remained until 1866, when 
he removed to Iowa. His son, J. J. Blumer, M. D., has been located in 
New Glarus for twenty years, and is justly considered an excellent physi- 
cian. 



1S87-92.] THE PLANTING L)b MAV GLARUS. 377 

the rest of the world, and in a short time the terms pro- 
posed by the St. Paul company were agreed to. In the 
space of four months, the cars were running into New 
Glarus village, and the hitherto-secluded Swiss settlement 
was brought into close and speedy contact with the outer 
world. Undoubtedly, the influx of new people and fresh 
thought, which will come from this closer communication 
with the rest of mankind, will be of vast and permanent 
benefit. Already, a few Americans and Germans have 
intermarried and settled among the Swiss, and while a 
definite dividing line of language and customs will prob- 
ably remain for many years, the former exclusiveness has 
vanished. 

The old-time, simple, generous, and genuine hospitality 
is still practised. The veriest miser among the Swiss of 
New Glarus would be ashamed to have it said that he was 
inhospitable. The homely, hearty manners towards each 
other and to strangers show the kindly spirit of the people. 
Not but what they are good haters, when wronged or 
affronted; a real or fancied injury often causes a coldness 
which lasts through life. 

In such a community, so closely connected by ties of kin- 
dred and nativity, tidings of local events are naturally of the 
most interest. Hence the German county newspaper, the 
Green County Herald, published at Monroe by R. Kohli, a 
Swiss, receives a large patronage, and its weekly visits are 
always welcome. However, the local neighborhood gossip 
is still carried from house to house in the primitive way, 
with a speed that appears marvelous. The news of births, 
deaths, marriages, and other events, spreads into the re- 
motest valleys by word of mouth. It has often been said 
that one cannot jostle even the remotest corner of the 
Swiss settlement but the whole of it feels the jar. In other 
words, it is never safe to oppress or slander one Swiss, un- 
less the offender is prepared to cope with an endless num- 
ber of relatives. 

Old-fashioned simplicity in dress is gradually yielding to 
the commands of fashion. Both young men and young 
women have discovered that it is as perfectly proper to go 



2)7S WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

clothed in as good material as they can afford, as it is to 
build houses and barns well and tasteful. Maidens have 
found out that a dress up with the times enhances their 
natural charms; and where ten years ago every woman 
made her own gowns in the plainest manner, and with the 
utmost saving of material in quality and quantity, now 
several fashionable dressmakers have steady and paying 
employment. The elders, however, still avoid the fashions, 
and dress in the simple styles of yore. 

As a matter of course, after an absence frorn their old 
home for so many years, the attachment to the fatherland 
has diminished. Yet intercourse with the friends and rel- 
atives among the mountains across the water is quite 
generally kept up; newspapers and letters are regularly 
exchanged, and some of the old-timers read the little Swiss 
newspapers with more interest than they would the great 
American journals. It is more than a surmise that in the 
hearts of most of the early emigrants the idea long existed 
that they would only remain in this country long enough 
to amass a modest competence, and then return to their 
old home to enjoy it. Indeed, the people of some other 
nationalities who come to this country at the present time 
are known to entertain and carry out this idea. Many Swiss 
who have gained means have revisited the old home, — some 
of them a number of times, — but very few have remained 
there. The halo which memory had cast over the scenes 
of childhood and youth was found to have vanished, and 
there remained only the reality of the old, terrible struggle 
with poverty which had driven them forth. They returned 
to America more American than ever. To the Swiss-Amer- 
ican, the grand distances, the great opportunities, the lib- 
eral thought, and the public institutions of this country, 
seem by comparison to make the conditions of life in the old 
home appear narrow, mean, and unbearable. As some have 
expressed it, there seems to be hardly room there to breathe. 
Yet the love for the old home, and its heroic history, can- 
not be extinguished, and next to being Americans the pride 
of a Swiss is to be a Swiss. While apparently he quietly 
submits to being called a German by those who judge of his 



l845~92-] THE PLANTING OF NEW GLARUS. 379 

nation by his language, yet in his heart he vigorously pro- 
tests, — much as a Scotchman would, to be called an Eng- 
lishman, or an Irishman. 

How long this Swiss community at New Glarus will re- 
main distinctive as now cannot be foretold; but judging 
from the history of colonies of German-speaking people in 
some of the older states, it will be safe to predict thai the 
Swiss dialect will exist and be spoken here two hundred 
years hence, and that the people then living will bear the 
stamp of the early influence. 

Crime has been rare in New Glarus; larceny is almost 
unknown; locked houses and barns are the exception, and 
every one has confidence in his neighbor's honesty. The 
most frequent offenses are disturbances caused by too free 
indulgence in liquor, or perhaps by social rivalry among 
the young men. There have been but two murders in the 
township, from the beginning, and in one of these two 
strangers were the principals. 

The success of this colony has attracted wide attention, 
and much inquiry has been made in regard to the manner 
of founding it. Kentucky and Tennessee have with great 
success adopted the colony plan for the settlement of 
their mountain lands with Swiss. Experience has demon- 
strated that transplanting people in groups or colonies is 
the most successful way. Such groups, taken from the same 
neighborhood, carry with them a feeling of confidence and 
mutual support, so necessary for the growth and well- 
doing of communities. They can more freely help and sym- 
pathize with each other than if they were strangers, and 
are not so liable to become homesick from that feeling of 
utter loneliness and desertion which depresses the settler 
who comes by himself to a new land. 

The colonial, or rather the communal, plan of mutual 
labor and assistance, w^hich was one of the features in the 
inception of the New Glarus colony, was abandoned as soon 
as the colonists discovered that twenty acres was as nothing 
in this country. Those colonists to whose lot fell desirable 
tracts retained them, and as they could earn or borrow 
money made haste to enlarge their fields by the purchase 



380 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

of other good land. Others, to whom fell rough tracts, 
either left them or never took possession, and preempted or 
bought claims outside the original boundaries. The eyes 
of all were early opened to the fact ihat government land 
at a dollar and a quarter an acre was a ,aood thing to get 
plenty of ; so, before ISoiJ, all the government land in the 
vicinity was purchased, and the colony as a mutual insti- 
tution under the control of directors had ceased to exist. 
A sturdy, growing Swiss American settlement has taken 
its place. As a nurse to nourish the young community, 
the parental colony sj^stem in this instance proved to be the 
best. 

Thus have been evolved from feeble beginnings, this New 
Glarus colony, and other Swiss settlements in Green 
county, which were transplanted in 1845 from the head- 
waters of the Rhine to the headwaters of the Mississippi. 
The movement started with about a hundred poverty- 
stricken people, whose very destitution anchored them to 
their new home, compelling them to stay where they were 
placed. These have now (1893) grown into communities 
aggregating eight thousand persons, whose landed posses- 
sions have increased from twelve hundred and eighty acres 
o! wild land to more than ninety thousand acres, fertile and 
improved. They have at their command comfortable homes 
and all modern improvements in machinery. As farmers, 
they are now equal to the best. In the cities and villages, 
they are successful merchants, artisans, and professional 
men, and are deemed good citizens and neighbors. They 
are prosperous beyond comparison with what they would 
have been had they or their parents not had the courage to 
leave the old home. There is abundant cause to thank God 
that he guided their thoughts and their footsteps to this 
wide land of freedom and plenty; that he has blessed their 
efforts with success; and that their future and that of their 
children is so full of promise. 

Honor and credit are due to all of the early settlers for 
their unflinching courage and untiring industry; but those 
especially are worthy of mention, whose good judgment. 



1845-85-] IHE PLANTING OF NEW (H^ARrS. 3S1 

skill, and intelligence guided the feeble efforts of the colony 
in its infancy and youth, who did their best to smooth over 
the rough places, and whose faith and courage inspired 
hope when hardship and want bred discouragement. The 
names of F. Streiff and Nicholas Duerst, the pioneers; 
Rev. William Streissguth, pastor and physician; J. J. 
Tschudy, arbitrator, teacher,- physician, and adviser; F. 
Egger, Mathias Duerst. George Legler, and Peter Jenny 
Elmer, men whose wise judgment and counsel were 
directed to the good of the community, all deserve in 
particular to be mentioned. Neither should we omit the 
members of the association in old Glarus, whose judicious 
action, and whose faith and money, made it possible 
to plant this stake in the wilderness. 

Memorial Celebrations. 

The year 1853 saw the first celebration of the fourth of 
July at New Glarus. The "reasons why we celebrate'' 
were given to the settlers by J. J. Tschudy. Since that time 
the day has annually and loyally been celebrated in a man- 
ner not behind that of native American settlements. 

The twenty -fifth anniversary of the settlement was cele- 
brated in 1870, with all the feeling and interest of a popular 
holiday. There were speeches and historical papers relat- 
ing to the early times that tried the endurance and courage 
of the founders; and songs of praise and rejoicing attested 
the general good feeling. A great number of the people 
of New Glarus were present, and many who had removed 
to other places made this celebration the occasion for a 
visit to the old colony and to old friends. 

In view of the fact that the original colonists were 
rapidly getting fewer, it was decided to hold another cele- 
bration in 1885,— the fortieth. It was held on the twelfth of 
August, in a small grove just west of the village of New 
Glarus, in sight of the valley down which the tired group of 
emigrants had, forty years before, trudged their weary way 
into the wilderness which was to be their new home. 
The people from the surrounding country and from afar 



3S2 WISCONSIN HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. [vol.xii. 

gathered in great numbers; and with the little group of 
twelve toil-worn, wrinkled, and gray-haired survivors in 
their midst, celebrated in appropriate fashion the event of 
the coming of the fathers. In places of honor, decorated 
with flowers, were seated the venerable remnant of that 
band of men and women who had broken the way for pos- 
terity. The eyes of the founders were dim with emotion 
when one after the other related his or her tale of toil, hard- 
ship, and poverty. But their hearts swelled with thanks- 
giving to the God who had upheld them and crowned their 
efforts with success; who had not only permitted them to 
see the promised land, but to enter and enjoy the fruits 
thereof.' 

To these f^w last colonists, to the diary of Mathias Duersf, 
and to the reports on the colony made by Tschudy and 
Streissguth, and printed in Switzerland in 1847 and 1849, in 
addition to his own recollections, the author is indebted for 
the facts and data given in this account; and he tenders 
his sincere thanks to all those whose information and 
encouragement have made its preparation possible. 

' The five hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Sveiss republic was 
in 1891 celebrated in all parts of the world where Swiss had settled in 
numbers. But nowhere was it observed with more spirit and enthusiasm 
than in Green county. At first, merely a modest gathering was proposed; but 
as preparations were being made, the interest in the matter grew, until it 
was found imperative that a demonstration worthy of the event must 
be made. On one of the finest of September days, in a location at the 
village of New Glarus by nature perfectly " shaped for such purpose," 
an immense concourse of people — estimated at from six to eight thou- 
sand — was gathered from all parts of southern Wisconsin, and assisted in 
the ceremonies of the occasion. Excellent speaking, singing, music, and 
tableaux occupied the day to the delight and enjoyment of the vast 
audience, composed of people of all nationalities, who had come to honor 
the memory of the founding of the oldest and bravest republic of modern 
times. 

Language. — At New Glarus, is spoken one of the broadest and most 
pronounced of the many Swiss dialects of the German language, enriched 
by several forceful words not found in any German or other dictionary. 
Many of these words and phrases, peculiar to old Glarus and its Wisconsin 
offshoot, are unpronounceable save by the native, and at once stamp the 
speaker's origin. Correct utterance of these, is the sure test of a Glarusite. 



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